Category: Opinion

Opinion

Paradise with Personality: The Power of Destination Branding

By Aldex Tan A reputable Brand Strategist and Design Consultant, Ms. Sally Lebante of FIVE300, said “Designing a destination isn’t about inventing beauty. It’s about revealing the soul that was already there.” Let’s be honest: Palawan could post nothing but a photo of its beaches, and people would still pack their bags. But in today’s competitive travel scene—where Bali, Phuket, and even cheaper overseas packages … Continue reading Paradise with Personality: The Power of Destination Branding

YourPalawanLeave a comment
Opinion

HIV in Palawan: Yes, We’re Still Talking About It—Because We Absolutely Have To

Let’s not beat around the bush—Palawan is known for many things: turquoise waters, jaw-dropping sunsets, and being a bucket-list paradise for travelers. But recently, it’s gaining another title we didn’t exactly ask for—a growing hotspot for HIV infections. Yes, you read that right. Our island isn’t just a top travel destination; it’s now grappling with an HIV crisis that’s becoming harder to ignore. And before you scroll … Continue reading HIV in Palawan: Yes, We’re Still Talking About It—Because We Absolutely Have To

YourPalawanLeave a comment
Opinion

Cruise Tourism in Palawan: Riding the Waves of Opportunity and Challenges 

Palawan, often hailed as the “last frontier” of the Philippines, is experiencing a new wave of tourism—quite literally—as cruise ships increasingly make stops in Puerto Princesa and Coron. In 2025, Puerto Princesa alone is set to welcome 19 cruise ships carrying nearly 28,000 international tourists. These floating cities include luxury liners like MS Noordam, MV Norwegian Sky, MV Costa Serena, and MV Crystal Symphony, among … Continue reading Cruise Tourism in Palawan: Riding the Waves of Opportunity and Challenges 

YourPalawanLeave a comment
Opinion

Pay Hikes in Palawan: A Little More Peso Power, but Inflation’s Still Partying Hard

PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES – Gather ‘round, Palawenos, because there’s some news to kind of celebrate! Starting December 22, a new wage order will sprinkle a little more magic dust on your daily paychecks. Mimaropa’s Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) has approved a P35 daily wage hike for workers. That’s right – the daily grind is getting a slight upgrade! Let’s break it down: And for the ever-hardworking kasambahays? A P1,000 … Continue reading Pay Hikes in Palawan: A Little More Peso Power, but Inflation’s Still Partying Hard

YourPalawanLeave a comment
Opinion

Palawan Bishops Rally for Mining Moratorium: A Call to Save Paradise

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN — Palawan, the country’s so-called “last frontier,” is more than a postcard-perfect paradise; it’s a biodiversity haven, home to lush forests, sparkling rivers, and pristine coastlines. But beneath its verdant canopy lies a storm brewing: the clash between environmental preservation and the lure of economic gain from mining operations. In a dramatic twist that could rival any telenovela, the Catholic Church in … Continue reading Palawan Bishops Rally for Mining Moratorium: A Call to Save Paradise

YourPalawanLeave a comment
Opinion, People

The Battle for the Palawan Governorship: Political Dynasties, New Faces, and the Future of the Island

Palawan, often dubbed the “Last Frontier” of the Philippines, isn’t just known for its pristine beaches and unspoiled beauty. It’s also becoming a stage for an intense political showdown as the race for the governorship heats up. This year, the battle royale pits veteran politician Victorino Dennis Socrates against Amy Roa Alvarez, daughter of 2nd Palawan District Rep. and former governor Jose Ch. Alvarez, and Richard M. Lopez of Brooke’s Point. … Continue reading The Battle for the Palawan Governorship: Political Dynasties, New Faces, and the Future of the Island

YourPalawanLeave a comment
Community, Opinion

Puerto Princesa’s Mayoral Showdown: Bayron vs. Socrates – The Plot Thickens!

Puerto Princesa City is gearing up for an electrifying 2025 mayoralty race, and this is not your ordinary election—it’s a showdown between former political allies who now find themselves at opposite ends of the ring. In one corner, we have the long-time incumbent, Mayor Lucilo Bayron, who just filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) last Saturday, October 5. And in the other, the ever-determined Vice … Continue reading Puerto Princesa’s Mayoral Showdown: Bayron vs. Socrates – The Plot Thickens!

YourPalawanLeave a comment
Environment, Opinion

The West Philippine Sea’s Unwanted Souvenirs: Pag-asa Island Battles Waves of Trash

Pag-asa Island, a peaceful and scenic spot in the West Philippine Sea, is known for its crystal-clear waters, gentle breezes, and… plastic bottles with Chinese labels? Yes, you read that right—residents of this remote island have been dealing with an unexpected and less-than-welcome visitor: trash. And based on the packaging, it looks like China’s vessels may have been sending more than just sailors their way. … Continue reading The West Philippine Sea’s Unwanted Souvenirs: Pag-asa Island Battles Waves of Trash

YourPalawanLeave a comment
Opinion

Palawan’s Political Soap Opera: Same Dynasties, Same Scripts, Same… Everything?

Ah, Palawan—the last frontier, where the beaches are pristine, the sunsets are postcard-perfect, and the politicians? Well, they’re the same old family faces you’ve seen in power for decades. It’s like Palawan’s political landscape is a never-ending teleserye, except the plotlines never really change, and the audience? None the wiser. We’ve got the usual suspects—the dynasties that have held the reins of power like an … Continue reading Palawan’s Political Soap Opera: Same Dynasties, Same Scripts, Same… Everything?

YourPalawanLeave a comment
Community, Opinion

Palawan Declares State of Calamity as More Storms Loom: The Need to Prepare and Power Through

It seems Palawan just can’t catch a break. After a week of non-stop downpours, gusty winds, and one too many drenched laundry days, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has declared the entire province under a state of calamity. The southwest monsoon (or habagat, as it’s lovingly known) has been showing no mercy, relentlessly battering towns from San Vicente to Roxas. And if you thought that was bad, … Continue reading Palawan Declares State of Calamity as More Storms Loom: The Need to Prepare and Power Through

YourPalawanLeave a comment